October 25, 2026
"You shall love the Lord, your God,with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your mind." - Mt 22:36
with all your soul, and with all your mind." - Mt 22:36
Spiritual Resources
The Pope Video is an official global initiative aimed at disseminating the Holy Father’s monthly intentions. It is carried out by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
October Video
From the Pastor's Desk
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In our second reading this weekend, St. Paul teaches us something really encouraging. Writing to the parish in Thessalonica, he says that their reception of the Gospel, the way they lived in the midst of difficulty and persecution, has moved beyond their community to the Church in the whole area at that time: “you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.”
In other words, how that parish was living their faith, how they interacted with the broader community, how they gathered together for eucharistia, was itself an announcement of the Gospel to those around them. In our weekly routine and daily life, it can be easier to slip into a groove of picking the easiest way to get through our to do list. But if we can take a moment to gather some awareness of what we are about, an awareness of all the factors that make up who we are, which includes our destiny and our faith, then experience says we engage with daily life differently. If that difference is because we remember Christ, we will be like the Thessalonians and have our lives themselves be an announcement of the difference Jesus makes. A traditional way to start the day and try to gather up that awareness of who we are and what we are about is to make a morning offering. The prayer has many variations, but the idea is to start your day giving to God everything you may encounter in the upcoming hours:
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father.
School Pumpkinfest Party
For the Pumpkinfest Parade on Sunday, October 25, our school is hosting some fun on the lawn facing Waterman Street. There will be yard games, some food, and a prime spot reserved for families to watch the parade. There will also be forms for alumni to fill out so we can build our alumni database (also available on the school website). Happy Pumpkinfest!
Peace,
Fr. Linkenheld
Fall Faith Formation Series
"The Grandeur of Humanity"
A Four-Week Parish Course with Fr. Twenty
What does it mean to be human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?
Join Fr. Twenty for a four-week exploration of Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
Together, we'll explore human dignity, Catholic social teaching, the challenges facing humanity, and how our faith guides us in building a "civilization of love."
The same weekly session will be offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings:
Thursdays at 6:30pm in Memorial Hall: November 12, 19; December 3, 10
Saturdays at 10:30am in the St. Mary Room: Nov 14, 21; December 5, 12
"The Grandeur of Humanity"
A Four-Week Parish Course with Fr. Twenty
What does it mean to be human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?
Join Fr. Twenty for a four-week exploration of Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
Together, we'll explore human dignity, Catholic social teaching, the challenges facing humanity, and how our faith guides us in building a "civilization of love."
The same weekly session will be offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings:
Thursdays at 6:30pm in Memorial Hall: November 12, 19; December 3, 10
Saturdays at 10:30am in the St. Mary Room: Nov 14, 21; December 5, 12
Religious Education
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” - Matthew 22
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that love is at the very heart of our Christian faith. Loving God means more than praying and attending Mass. It also means showing His love through our words, actions, kindness, and care for others.
This week, encourage your children to put their faith into practice by:
*Praying together as a family
*Helping someone without being asked
*Including someone who feels left out.
*Speaking kindly and treating others with respect.
*Forgiving someone who has hurt their feelings
Upcoming Dates:
October 25: NO CLASS
November 1: Regular class at 9:00
November 8: RE Mass at 8:00/Sacramental prep class meets in St. Jospeh Room at 9:00
Reminders:
*7th Grade: Topic for Catholic Social teaching essay due on November 1
*8th Grade: Saint reports are due on November 8
Filipino Feast Fundraiser
This fundraiser will support Vacation Bible School!Join us for a buffet style dinner along with entertainment to support bringing Vacation Bible School back to our parish. Experience the Filipino culture with music, dancing and delicious food. Our 8th graders will also have their saint projects on display. Dinner will be served following the 5:00 Mass on November 14. Meal includes chicken strips, stir fry noodles, eggrolls, rice and desserts. Tickets can be purchased in the parish office for $20/adult and $10/ child ages 12 and younger.
Youth Ministry
Enjoy treats from St. Mary's Youth Ministry Pumpkin Fest booth in front of Blue Moon bikes on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 -25. Delicious baked goods, including our legendary pumpkin bread, snacks and beverages. Support our Mission Team on your way to see the Patriotic Pumpkins and while watching the parade!St. Mary School
St. Mary’s is proud to congratulate Clare and Stella, both sixth-grade students, on their accomplishments!
- Clare – 1st Place in the Poetry Contest
- Stella – 2nd Place in the Essay Contest
CLOTHING SALE
Clothing Sale Donations can be brought to the PAC:
Monday-Thursday, October 26-29, 8am-4pm
Saturday, October 31, 4:30pm-6pm
Sunday, November 1, 9am-Noon
Monday-Thursday, November 2-5, 8am-4pm
Gently used items of clothing, shoes, coats, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, purse, bags, jewelry and linens
All proceeds will benefit Our Thanksgiving Food Drive!
Knights of Columbus
As you know, the Catholic Church in the United States observes Respect Life Month each October. The protection of human life remains a sustained prayer intention of the Church—and of the Knights of Columbus in particular. We remain firmly committed to defending the right to life of every human being, from the moment of conception to natural death.
To commemorate and strengthen this vital cause, the St. Mary of Sycamore Knights of Columbus, together with the St. Mary Pro-Life Committee, will be participating in the Respect Life Novena from October 22 through October 30. We invite our entire parish family to join us in this novena and storm the gates of Heaven with our prayers.
Please use the link below to register, and feel free to invite family and friends. When you sign up, you can choose to receive the daily novena prayers by email or text message.
https://www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month-novena
God Bless,
St. Mary of Sycamore Knights of Columbus
& St. Mary of Sycamore Pro-Life Committee
Diocese Parish Life Note
October Mental Health Minute
